Autopsy: George Michael’s Cause of Death ‘Inconclusive’

George Michael’s cause of death is “inconclusive,” according to an initial autopsy. Photo: Courtesy of Special Collections, University of Houston Libraries/Public Domain

George Michael‘s initial autopsy was ruled “inconclusive” after a post-mortem examination conducted on Thursday. Thames Valley Police announced Friday that further tests are needed, and results will not be known for several weeks, The Associated Press reports.

Michael, 53, died Christmas Day from apparent heart failure at his country home in Goring in Oxfordshire, England. Police are treating the singer’s death as “unexplained but not suspicious,” indicating they discovered no evidence of foul play.

After news broke about the former Wham! singer’s death, his representative issued a statement of “great sadness,” noting that Michael “passed away peacefully at home.” In an interview with The Daily Telegraph, Michael’s partner Fadi Fawaz expressed his shock. “We were supposed to be going for Christmas lunch,” he said. “I went round there to wake him up and he was just gone, lying peacefully in bed. We don’t know what happened yet.”

Many of Michael’s friends and musical peers issued statements of condolences. “I have lost a beloved friend – the kindest, most generous soul and a brilliant artist,” Elton John wrote on Instagram. “My heart goes out to his family and all of his fans.”

“I don’t have the words,” Queen guitarist Brian May wrote on his website. “This year has cruelly taken so many fine people way too young. And George? That gentle boy? All that beautiful talent? Can’t begin to compute this. RIP George. Sing with Freddie. And the Angels.”